Women start businesses at record rates, and a growing number of programs want to fund them. The challenge is that grants for women-owned businesses are scattered across private foundations, corporations and nonprofits — there's no single list. Here's how to find them and stack the odds in your favor.
Where to find grants for women
- Corporate & brand grants — recurring national programs from banks, card networks and consumer brands, open to women owners year-round.
- Foundation & nonprofit grants — organizations focused on women's entrepreneurship.
- Local & state programs — check your state economic-development office and grants by state.
- Federal & SBA resources — Women's Business Centers and Grants.gov point to programs and contracting set-asides.
Certification can open doors. WBENC or SBA women-owned (WOSB) certification unlocks some grants and government contracts — but many private grants only require majority woman ownership.
Grants vs. funding — the honest trade-off
Grants are free money, but they're competitive and can take months. Many women owners apply for grants while using fast funding to grow now — a working capital loan or line of credit funds in days, based on your business, not a competition.
More resources: our grants guide, grants for startups, and business loans for women if you'd rather fund now.
Frequently asked questions
Are there grants just for women?
Yes — many private and corporate programs are dedicated to women entrepreneurs. Verify each program's current terms.
Do I need certification?
Some programs require WBENC/WOSB certification; many private grants only need majority woman ownership.